The Best Current Baseball Players Right Now

Ranker Baseball
Updated May 2, 2024 201.1K views 191 items
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275.6K votes
16.5K voters
59 reranks
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From top hitters to the league's best pitchers, vote up the greatest players in the MLB right now.

Who are the best baseball players right now?  From rookies to veterans, the best MLB players consistently prove their talent on the field. From expert pitchers to top short stops to highlight reel catching outfielders these great current Major League Baseball players have made names for themselves by being better than the rest. There's sure to be plenty of debate around the best current MLB players. Who are the best baseball players right now? Which of the best Major League Baseball players right now do you love?

When it comes to the best current player in the MLB today, Mike Trout and Bryce Harper, two of the most iconic and celebrated players to ever compete, deserve to be high up in the rankings, but a number of other challengers for the title—such as the defending champion Freddie Freeman who moved to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the offseason and the reigning NL MVP Shohei Ohtani. Not to mention other MLB stars like Mookie Betts, Jose Altuve, Cody Bellinger, and Jose Abreu.

Vote up the best current baseball players right now in order to move them up the list, or click "rerank" to customize an order of your own.

Most divisive: Giancarlo Stanton
Over 16.5K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Top Current Baseball Players
  • Shohei Ohtani
    1
    2,748 votes

    Shohei Ohtani stands out as a once-in-a-generation talent, excelling both on the mound and at the plate with exceptional power and finesse. Known for his jaw-dropping two-way skills, Ohtani's versatility has been compared to Babe Ruth, and he has quickly become one of the most exciting players to watch today. His impact on the game can be felt in how teams are now actively seeking out players who can similarly contribute to their rotations and lineups, showcasing just how valuable and revolutionary Ohtani's unique skillset is for the sport.

  • Mike Trout
    2
    Age: 32
    8,814 votes

    Widely regarded as the best player in baseball today, Mike Trout has consistently amazed fans with his ability to blend speed, power, and defensive prowess into an awe-inspiring package. His keen batting eye and phenomenal athleticism make him a constant threat to opposing pitchers, while his graceful outfield work continues to earn him highlight reel plays regularly. Trout's dominance across all aspects of the game has not only solidified his status as a true five-tool player but also raised the bar for what it means to be a superstar in today's MLB.

  • Ronald Acuna, Jr.
    3

    Ronald Acuna Jr.'s meteoric rise to prominence in the MLB speaks volumes about his immense talent, as he combines electrifying speed with raw power to dominate games. Lauded for his acrobatic defensive plays, daring baserunning, and his consistent ability to hit for both average and power, Acuna Jr. has quickly established himself as one of the game's brightest young stars. His seemingly limitless potential, captivating charisma, and exceptional skill set have quickly made him a fan favorite across the league.

  • Mookie Betts
    4

    Mookie Betts

    Age: 31
    5,048 votes

    Mookie Betts is truly a master of all trades when it comes to baseball, showcasing a versatile skill set that allows him to excel in every facet of the game. His combination of elite speed, slick fielding, and top-tier hitting ability have made him one of the game's most dangerous all-around players. With an infectious smile and workhorse mentality, Betts has evolved into a prominent leader on and off the field, setting a high standard for his teammates and peers alike.

  • Aaron Judge
    5

    Aaron Judge

    Age: 32
    4,035 votes

    An imposing figure in the batter's box, Aaron Judge has been described as a modern-day Hercules, wielding a powerful bat that can change the course of a game with just one swing. He's also no slouch defensively, as his 6'7" frame and strong arm allow him to make seemingly impossible plays from the outfield. Judge's gargantuan home runs and "gentle giant" persona have earned him a special place in the hearts of fans, as he continues to be an ambassador for both his team and the sport.

  • Freddie Freeman
    6
    3,515 votes

    Freddie Freeman is the consummate professional, embodying the hard-working, team-first attitude that is so sought after in baseball. His smooth, left-handed swing produces consistent power and average, making him one of the most feared and respected hitters in the game. Equally impressive is Freeman's defensive prowess at first base, where his range, instincts, and soft hands make him a vacuum for ground balls and a steadying presence on the right side of the infield.

  • Juan Soto
    7
    1,346 votes

    Juan Soto exploded onto the scene as a teenage phenom, quickly establishing himself as one of the game's brightest young stars with his prodigious power and advanced plate discipline. His uncanny ability to barrel up balls consistently and spray hits to all fields have made him a menace for opposing pitchers, while his talent for clutch performances only adds to his legend. As he continues to mature and develop, Soto's ceiling seems almost limitless, and his impact on the sport will likely be felt for years to come.

  • Trea Turner
    8

    Trea Turner

    Age: 30
    1,591 votes

    One of the fastest players in MLB, Trea Turner's blazing speed and aggressive baserunning have made him a constant threat on the basepaths. Coupled with his impressive contact skills and ever-improving power stroke, Turner has become a true catalyst atop the lineup for his team. His ability to play multiple positions, including a slick defensive shortstop, has made him an invaluable asset, as his athleticism and versatility have become a shining example of the modern-day "Swiss Army knife" player.

  • Gerrit Cole
    9
    2,495 votes

    Armed with a scorching fastball and a knee-buckling breaking ball, Gerrit Cole has established himself as one of baseball's most feared pitchers. His combination of raw power and surgical precision on the mound leaves batters feeling helpless, as they are left with little chance of making solid contact against his devastating arsenal. As a true workhorse, Cole's ability to go deep into games and rack up strikeouts has made him a consistent force atop any rotation, providing a stabilizing presence for his team.

  • Nolan Arenado
    10
    4,605 votes

    Nolan Arenado's elite glove work and potent bat have made him one of the premier third basemen in MLB history. Known for his dazzling defensive plays, lightning-quick reflexes, and cannon arm, Arenado can single-handedly alter the momentum of a game with his sparkling plays at the hot corner. His ability to complement his gold glove defense with prodigious power and a keen eye at the plate have cemented his status as one of the league's top talents.

  • José Altuve
    11
    5,152 votes

    Despite his diminutive stature, José Altuve's impact on the game is anything but small, as he has proven to be a dynamic force both at the plate and on the basepaths. Combining blazing speed with an uncanny ability to hit for both average and power, Altuve has become the model of consistency and tenacity that aspiring players can look up to. His incredible range and sure-handedness at second base add to his already impressive résumé, making him a fan favorite and a true ambassador for the sport.

  • Yordan Álvarez
    12

    A prodigious hitter with a smooth, powerful stroke, Yordan Álvarez has made an immediate impact since his arrival in the big leagues. With a keen eye for the strike zone and an uncanny ability to drive balls to all fields, Álvarez has demonstrated that he has the potential to be one of the game's most feared sluggers for years to come. His calm, focused demeanor in the batter's box only serves to amplify his impressive offensive prowess, making him a formidable force at the plate.

  • Jacob deGrom
    13

    Jacob deGrom

    Age: 35
    4,105 votes

    Jacob deGrom has solidified himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB today, thanks to his lethal combination of velocity, movement, and pinpoint command. With an uncanny ability to mix his pitches and keep hitters guessing, deGrom's mastery on the mound has been a constant source of frustration for opposing batters. His unflappable demeanor and unwavering focus make him a true ace, striking fear into the hearts of teams whenever he takes the mound.

  • Max Scherzer
    14
    5,138 votes

    Max Scherzer is the epitome of an ace, with an intense, fiery demeanor on the mound and a bulldog mentality that has endeared him to teammates and fans alike. Famed for his blazing fastball and devastating breaking pitches, Scherzer has carved out a career as one of baseball's most dominant starters, consistently flustering hitters with his vast repertoire. His relentless pursuit of excellence and insatiable hunger for success have made him a model for the next generation of pitchers, as he continues to cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats.

  • Justin Verlander
    15
    4,224 votes

    A seasoned veteran and consummate competitor, Justin Verlander has forged a reputation as one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation. Boasting an overpowering fastball and devastating off-speed offerings, Verlander consistently baffles opposing hitters with his ability to mix speeds and hit his spots with surgical precision. As a leader on and off the field, his tireless work ethic and passionate demeanor have set a high standard for future generations of pitchers seeking to emulate his success.

  • Bobby Witt Jr.
    16
    Robert Andrew Witt Jr. (born June 14, 2000) is an American professional baseball shortstop in the Kansas City Royals organization. He was selected second overall by the Royals in the 2019 Major League Baseball draft.
  • Francisco Lindor
    17
    1,617 votes

    With his dazzling smile, infectious energy, and elite skill set, Francisco Lindor has made an indelible mark on the baseball world. Lauded for his exceptional range, quick hands, and rocket arm at shortstop, Lindor has made it his mission to redefine the position with his jaw-dropping plays. A true switch-hitting threat, his ability to hit for power and average from both sides of the plate make him a nightmare for opposing pitchers, as he continues to elevate the game with his exceptional talent.

  • As the son of a Hall of Famer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has always carried lofty expectations, but the young slugger has quickly proven that he can live up to the hype. With a powerful, yet refined swing and an advanced approach at the plate, Guerrero Jr. has already shown that he can be one of the game's most dynamic and feared hitters for years to come. His infectious energy and genuine love for the game have endeared him to fans and teammates alike, making him a crucial cornerstone for his team's future success.

  • Corey Seager
    19
    1,406 votes

    As a gifted hitter and smooth-fielding shortstop, Corey Seager has emerged as one of the most dependable and productive players in baseball today. His smooth left-handed swing, keen batting eye, and raw power make him a constant threat at the plate, while his range and instincts at shortstop have helped him become a stalwart defender. With a quiet confidence and unwavering focus, Seager has firmly established himself as one of the game's premier talents.

  • Fernando Tatis, Jr
    20

    With his slick fielding, prodigious power, and electrifying speed, Fernando Tatis Jr. has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting players in baseball today. His flashy style of play and exuberant personality have made him a fan favorite, as he continues to showcase his immense talent on a nightly basis. Tatis Jr.'s fearlessness and flair for the dramatic make him must-see TV, as he ushers in a new era of baseball filled with youthful exuberance and unbridled passion for the game.

  • Cody Bellinger
    21
    2,391 votes

    A true five-tool player, Cody Bellinger possesses a unique blend of power, speed, and defensive acumen that makes him one of the most dynamic talents in the game. His sweet left-handed swing generates prodigious power, while his outstanding athleticism and speed allow him to excel in the outfield and on the bases. With a flair for the dramatic and an unwavering commitment to winning, Bellinger has already earned a reputation as a big-game performer with an incredibly bright future ahead of him.

  • Jose Ramirez
    22
    1,080 votes

    A marvel of consistency and unwavering focus, José Ramírez has etched his name into the conversation of the game's elite talents. His exceptional plate discipline, combined with his uncanny ability to hit for both average and power, has made him a force to be reckoned with in the batter's box. As a versatile and fleet-footed defender, Ramírez has also proven to be an asset on the defensive side of the ball, showcasing his unrelenting determination to excel in every aspect of the game.

  • Pete Alonso
    23
    838 votes

    With a swing tailor-made for producing tape-measure home runs, Pete Alonso has quickly established himself as one of the premier power hitters in the game. His raw strength and natural hitting ability allow him to launch balls into orbit with ease, leaving fans in awe of his otherworldly power. A fearless competitor and enthusiastic teammate, Alonso's unbridled passion for the game has endeared him to fans and teammates alike, as he continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport itself.

  • Xander Bogaerts
    24

    Xander Bogaerts

    Age: 31
    1,839 votes

    An exceptional all-around talent, Xander Bogaerts combines smooth defensive play, potent power, and an advanced approach at the plate to create a winning formula on the field. His strong, accurate arm and exceptional range at shortstop make him a stabilizing force on the infield, while his consistent ability to hit for average and power make him a dangerous presence in the lineup. As a team leader and clutch performer, Bogaerts' quiet confidence and unrelenting drive for success have made him a perennial MVP candidate.

  • Bo Bichette
    25
    585 votes

    A rising star in the baseball landscape, Bo Bichette has already turned heads with his smooth swing and exceptional defensive skills at shortstop. His aggressive approach at the plate, coupled with his impressive power and contact skills, make him a formidable foe for opposing pitchers. As a fiercely competitive and confident young player, Bichette's immense potential and unyielding desire to succeed have set the stage for a long and prosperous career in the big leagues.

  • J. D. Martinez
    26

    J. D. Martinez

    Age: 36
    2,431 votes

    J.D. Martinez has carved out a niche as one of the most feared and consistent sluggers in Major League Baseball. Known for his tremendous power and meticulous approach at the plate, Martinez's relentless quest for perfection and his ability to make adjustments have been key factors in his transformation into an offensive juggernaut. A true student of the game, his dedication to understanding the art of hitting has made him an invaluable mentor for his teammates and fellow competitors.

  • Carlos Correa
    27

    Carlos Correa

    Age: 29
    2,484 votes

    As one of the premier young shortstops in baseball today, Carlos Correa has impressed fans and pundits alike with his superb combination of power, speed, and agility. His strong arm and fluid fielding motion make him a dependable anchor on the infield, while his powerful bat has the potential to change the course of any game. Correa's charismatic, fiery demeanor and ability to deliver in clutch moments only add to his ever-growing legend, ensuring that he will be a key figure in the game for years to come.

  • Rafael Devers
    28

    Rafael Devers

    Age: 27
    592 votes

    With his quick hands, powerful swing, and relentless work ethic, Rafael Devers has quickly established himself as one of the game's brightest young stars. Equally adept at hitting for power and average, Devers' relentless drive and natural talent have already produced numerous accolades and jaw-dropping moments. With a flair for the dramatic and a ceaseless commitment to improvement, Devers is poised to leave an indelible mark on the baseball world for years to come.

  • Christian Yelich
    29
    2,724 votes

    Christian Yelich's sweet swing, advanced approach at the plate, and all-around exceptional skill set have earned him a well-deserved status as one of the game's top talents. With deceptive power, elite speed, and outstanding defensive instincts, Yelich has developed into a true five-tool player who can change the game in a myriad of ways. A consummate professional and model teammate, his passion for the game and dedication to his craft have made him a beloved figure among fans and fellow players alike.

  • Randy Arozarena
    30
    Randy Arozarena González (born February 28, 1995) is a Cuban professional baseball outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the St. Louis Cardinals. In 2020, Arozarena set the MLB record for home runs in a single postseason with ten. Four of those came against the Houston Astros in the 2020 American League Championship Series netting him series MVP honors.